Report on the aid organization in northern Russia
By God's grace, Alexander Buchmüller, Alexander Stoll, and I (Alexej Schneider) traveled to the Far East from November 22nd to December 6th, 2019. We visited our fellow believers in Vladivostok, Nahodka, Magadan, and Severo Evensk.
Even on our journey there, we felt God's abundant blessing, as our flights had very short layovers, and we only made some of our connections by a miracle. While other passengers were anxious, God granted us the peace and quiet that He would help us catch our connecting flights on time. Domestically, we flew to Severo Evensk in a propeller plane with a total capacity of 36 people. During the flight, it was very cold, and we were freezing even in our coats.
Life is very hard in this harsh region. Long ago, people came here because they could earn good money. Now, wages have been adjusted to the national average, so people earn less. However, food prices remain high because food has to be flown in. In Severo Evensk, this only happens once a month, which is why some food items are difficult or even impossible to find.
All these reasons led many people to move away again, because they saw no future in the city. As a result, empty buildings are a common sight. Living conditions in this area are very poor. Five or more people live in apartments of 15-17 square meters. It is cold and wet. The apartments were built during Khrushchev's era, which is why they are still called "Khrushovsky" today.
Many minority groups live here (indigenous peoples such as the Koryak, Evenki, and Evens). They are deeply involved in occult practices. But God works miraculously in these very places. He appears to people in dreams and frees them from addictions like smoking and alcohol. Gradually, small communities of approximately 50-80 members developed there. The largest community, with about 300 members, is located in Nahodka.
The believers have a warm and friendly relationship with one another and participate wholeheartedly in worship. Public evangelism is prohibited by the government and is punishable by law. Therefore, we have made it our mission to strengthen and edify the congregations spiritually.
We gathered with the believers every day and, by God's grace, were able to bring much joy, blessing, and encouragement. We also supported large families and those in particular need with food and, when necessary, financial assistance. Finally, we distributed Christmas presents to the children. The members of the congregation were very grateful for the help.
Alexej Schneider
CDH Stephanus